A new dam could be built near an Essex town to prevent repeated floods under proposals unveiled on Tuesday.

The Environment Agency is putting on display all the options to protect the town of Halstead, which was last hit by severe floods in October 2001.

The town, on the banks of the River Colne, has suffered floods on a number of occasions over the past 30 years, and experts say the risk of further floods is high.

Nigel Pask, project manager for the Environment Agency, said: "We hope that local residents will come along and take the opportunity to view the flood alleviation proposals for the town of Halstead."

Comments welcomed

The exhibition at Queen's Hall, Chipping Hill between midday and 2000 BST on Tuesday will show all the plans plus assessments of their impact on the environment.

Information on the Agency's flood warning scheme will also be available.

The Agency says it will consult organisations and individuals before going ahead with any of the schemes.

Mr Pask said: "We are very keen to receive all comments regarding the options, and this will be the ideal opportunity for people to see an outline of the options to be considered further and have any questions they may have about them answered."